Measles epidemic warning: Cases of the deadly infection rose by 400% in 2017 due to vaccination fears

The number of measles cases in Europe rose by 400 per cent in 2017 compared to the previous year, new figures reveal.

The life-threatening infection affected 21,315 people last year, resulting in 35 fatalities, the figures add. This comes after a record low of just 5,273 incidences in 2016.

Dr Zsuzsanna Jakab, regional director for Europe at the World Health Organization (WHO), said: ‘Every new person affected by measles in Europe reminds us that unvaccinated children and adults, regardless of where they live, remain at risk of catching the disease and spreading it to others who may not be able to get vaccinated.’ Continue reading.